Discover the influence of Western religious traditions in India on this small-group tour of Chennai’s many churches. Your expert guide will provide interesting and informative commentary, showing you the differences between Roman Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox and Protestant churches and revealing rich stories behind their inception in this region. Walk inside awe-inspiring structures like St Andrew’s Church, San Thome Cathedral and Luz Church, among others.

Highlights

Small-group tour of Chennai’s churches and basilicas

With your expert guide, discover the development of Western religious traditions in India

Visit 16th-century classical European churches like San Thome Cathedral and Luz Church

Learn about important community contributions of these churches and about how Christianity adapted to local traditions and practices

Enjoy comfortable transport around the city by air-conditioned coach

Small-group tour limited to 10 people ensures an enlightening experience

What You Can Expect

San Thome Cathedral

After meeting your guide at a central Chennai location, you will be given juice and bottled water for you to enjoy during the tour. Then, hop aboard a comfortable air-conditioned coach and tour Chennai to discover the origin of Christianity in India, which is traced back to the Apostle of
St Thomas, who was believed to have attained martyrdom in Chennai.

Head to the small hillock of St Thomas Mount, a quaint, beautiful church built in the
1500s by the Portuguese. Continue to Church of Our Lady of Light, more commonly known as Luz Church. Learn from your guide how this is one of the oldest Christian churches and European monuments in India.

Continue to San Thome Cathedral, a pilgrimage center for Christians designed in 16th-century European architectural style. Notice the Gothic arches and Baroque ornamentation of the gilded altars and ceilings decorated with fresco paintings.

Next, tour 17th-century Armenian Church, which served the then-thriving Armenian community in Chennai, before heading to nearby St Mary's Church, an important relic and reminder of British influence in India. Admire the intricate design and see various commemorative inscriptions and memorials.

Finally, visit St Andrew’s Church, a Presbyterian church built to serve the area's Scottish community. Learn about how its design is modeled after St Martin-in-the-Fields at London’s Trafalgar Square.

After your enlightening and fascinating tour, head back to your original departure point.

Please note: Some of these churches, like the St Mary's Church, may be closed to the public on certain days without prior notice. On such days, the tour will not be going into that church

Details

Inclusions

Small-group tour

English-speaking guide

Transport by air-conditioned coach

Beverages

Exclusions

Gratuities (optional)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Camera fees in monuments

Food and drinks, unless specified

Additional info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability

Tour operates with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 10

Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund. If you prefer to take the tour as scheduled with less than the minimum number of passengers, the fee for 6 passengers will be applicable

A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Voucher info

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
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Local operator information

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.